Merkel earned the recognition for the second year in a row. The Evansville, Ind., product graduated in the spring with a 3.87 GPA and a bachelor's degree in business administration. He managed a 75.65 stroke average for his senior season and ended his career second in school history with a 73.99 average over his four years. Merkel turned professional at the conclusion of the Cardinals' season.

Clouser carries a 3.86 GPA as a mathematical economics major. The Bluffton, Ind., product was a second-team Academic All-Mid-American Conference selection this season. He led the Cardinals with a 75.00 stroke average and posted four top-20 finishes on the year.

To be eligible for the award at the Division I level, an individual must be a junior or senior academically, compete in at least three full years at the collegiate level, participate in 50 percent of his team’s competitive rounds, have a stroke average better than 76.0 and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.2. Recipients must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at their colleges or universities.

Clouser and Merkel were both also named to the Academic All-MAC Team this season.

For the most up-to-date news on Ball State men’s golf, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateMGolf and @mikefleck on Twitter.